A shocking sequel to a sad story had a happy ending last week when the motor for the coaches’ boat was stolen from the Hawaii Canoe & Kayak Team — also the home of the U.S. men’s national team — and replaced by a very kind benefactor within a day.

The HCKT had its outboard motor stolen a few months ago from its clubhouse on the Ala Wai canal. It raised funds to replace it, but thieves broke in again Nov. 1 and stole the new motor.

"When the first motor was stolen it was quite a shock," USA Canoe & Kayak coach Guy Wilding said. "I moved the national men’s program here to Hawaii from the mainland because of the potential of the local talent and also because of the support of the local community. But when some low-life thief steals property that is being used to work with Hawaii’s youth it really leaves a sour taste in your mouth."

After the theft was reported, Wilding and his wife Shelley, a former Olympian who coaches HCKT, met Frank Cuddy, who was with the Frank Coluccio Construction Company working on the Ala Wai path. Cuddy called Coluccio and the company secured the clubhouse door, then returned a few hours later with a replacement motor. Then they installed more security at the storage area.

"This is amazing and restores one’s faith in the human spirit," Wilding said. "Once the people from Coluccio Construction realized what we are doing here with the local youth they knew we would be seriously disadvantaged without an outboard motor and they immediately did something about it. For us they are true local heroes."